On another hub someone asked how to get started coaching football. It really depends on the level the person was speaking of. Here are some suggestions.

At the N.F.L level: Remember, there are two kinds of coaches. "Those who have been fired and those about to be fired". They are all there to be replaced.

It certainly helps if you have been a player. Being a pro player doesn't necessarily make one a good coach. However, it gives him a leg up because he know the requirements first hand. Plus he has many great contacts already in the league.

Successful college coaching. Many coaches have been pulled from the college ranks. However, having success in one doesn't necessarily mean success in the other. The pro and college games are very different.

Be related to someone in management of the team. If you're fortunate enough to have this going for you and you have talent and drive, you stand a very good chance of being successful.

Volunteer in some capacity. Go to the coach and tell him you will do any job that nobody else wants.

If you get into an organization, don't make any enemies. Learn to hold your tongue even if you're right.

Know the owner/ general manager. If you have some of the other qualifications, and they know you, it would certainly help. However, this is their business and they want people around them they can trust to do a job.

Be in the right place at the right time. Obviously not residing in the proximity of an N.F.L. team would make it more difficult to make a connection.

Stay mobile. If you get a break, you have to be able to move on a moment's notice. That opportunity will not stay open for long. There are too many people chasing the same job.

N.F.L. jobs are few and far between. I would not recommend trying to break into this level unless I had several of the above qualifications.

At the University level:

Playing experience. This gives you a greater understanding than simply reading a good coaching book.

Finish your degree. Many jobs will require a B.A. or even a Master's. Therefore, it will open doors that otherwise might be closed.

Become a Graduate Assistant. Stay at the school you played for and graduated from. Apply to get into their program and go above and beyond what the head coach assigns to you. This can also be done at another school.

Volunteer in some capacity. If you can't get a G.A. position, ask if you can fill some need that the head coach has but is not funded.

Successful H,S. coaching. Demonstrate that you know what you are doing as a coach by winning at the high school level.

Show an ability to recruit. The name of the game in college coaching is getting talented players. It is probably the most difficult and exhausting part of coaching. Many times this ability takes precedence over knowledge of the game.

Be willing to do the Head Coach's bidding. You must be willing to do almost anything the head coach wants you to do. Even if you disagree, hold your tongue.

Be in the right place at the right time. Once again, if you're "in the loop" you will hear of jobs being open before they become public knowledge.

Stay mobile. It's very difficult for a man with a wife and family just pull up stakes and move on a moment's notice.

At the Community College level:

Volunteer in some capacity. There aren't many full time paying jobs available at this level. In fact there are only about 170 community colleges that even play football. About half of those are in California.

Get your degree. Most community colleges require at least a B.A.

Playing experience. Once again, this gives you a practical knowledge of the game. However, if you can combine a little practical knowledge with great organizational skills you might become the H.C. at Notre Dame.

Be in the right place at the right time. As stated earlier, you have to be in the proximity of a program.

Stay mobile. For the same reasons given earlier.

High School Level:

Have your degree. Most high schools require this at least for their head coaches.

Be able to teach math, science, or computer science classes. There is a high demand for these subject areas.

Be able to teach football fundamentals continually.

Be a volunteer. High schools have a limited budget and are always looking for someone to help out.

Have a special skill in things like filming, breaking down game tape, trainer, scouting, etc.

Demonstrate patience and an understanding of the high school age player.

Be willing to work with any and all levels.

Youth Football: This is probably the best place for a young inexperienced person to start.

The most important ability a coach at this level must have is insuring the safety and well being of his players.

Another is his ability to make the game fun. It's not about winning and losing.

At this level, he must be able to teach the basics of blocking and tackling above all.

He must show patience not only with his players, but with parents as well. Remember, they are emotionally involved with the most important people in their lives.

I am sure there are many ways I have omitted. As one can see, the coaching profession can be a very complex business. However, if it is truly what someone wants do, and if he's really willing to put in long hours for little gain, it can be done.